Update (Sunday 20th)

Here is a picture that warms our cockles 👦

After completing his first (short, gentle) round of chemo, Joshua was released from hospital this afternoon, so we have spent a nice evening as a family in our new home (from home). He has to go back at 8.30 tomorrow morning as an outpatient to start his next cycle, but we are enjoying the time we have together for now. 

He is doing very well all things considered. Some of the drugs have impacted his moods a bit, and his appetite (in both directions) but overall he is doing pretty well. 

Thank you for all the responses to my slightly desperate previous post - I may have to set up a database to catalogue them all and make sure we don't drown under the volume of generously provided food 👦To update:

i) we have a car and car seat from tomorrow for 5 weeks, and the expectation of a further vehicle after that time (in passing, I have been very impressed with the Brisbane public transport system, which includes 'busways' - which for those who don't have them are like railways for buses, so there is no congestion. Children also travel free on all public transport (i.e. trains, buses, ferries, trams) at weekends. This afternoon the three kids and I travelled from where we are staying to the hospital in a bus on which we were the only passengers for the princely sum of $2.56 👦)

ii) we have received several offers to come and sit with Josh to give us a break. As things currently stand (i.e. for now and tomorrow) we are OK but will get in touch with those that have offered when we feel like we need the support

iii) my cold is much better (I ran a pyjama-soaking fever in the night which probably burnt off the worst of it...) Unfortunately, Joshua and Libby are both now sniffling - please pray it doesn't hit either of them as badly

iv) we have had some offers for people to help out with Ruben. Again, we will need to assess the shape of the days and weeks to come but will be in touch with those who have offered in due course. Apologies if it takes a bit of time - it doesn't mean we don't appreciate your offers! 

v) We have had lots of offers of meals, including food this evening from the friend of a friend of a friend who owns a Texas BBQ food truck. We laid out about a quarter of what they brought and barely made a dent in it - so some of that has gone in the freezer. I will try and coordinate with everyone who has offered, as we have limited freezer space! 

Following my 'Help!' post, I would also like to recognise the support we have received from Cassy, my Brisbane-based colleague, who has been invaluable in helping us land almost on our feet (even two days ahead of schedule). Thanks Cassy 👦

In case you were wondering about the blankets in the photo, we have discovered that Brisbane is COLD! We had obviously arrived in the middle of a bit of a warm spell - we were a bit shocked to discover a 'real feel' of 10 degrees when we woke up this morning. To us Cairns-ites, who get the woolly clothing at when the temperature drops below 20, it feels like the Arctic. I texted Libby that I wasn't getting out of bed until it warmed up...